 The organisation originated in 1858, when many Sheffield compositors were involved in a dispute with S. Harrison, owner of the "Sheffield Times" newspaper, who wished to reduce their wages.When members of the Journeyman Printers' Society refused to accept the reduced terms, Harrison recruited non-union labour from London and attempted to prevent any of his remaining workers belonging to a union.The union branch printed a statement, "The Press Trampling on the Rights of Labour", in response to which, Harrison took up proceedings for libel, claiming £2,000 in damages.